Legendary 'Wheel of Fortune' host Pat Sajak tapes final episode for June airing
Television game show fans from coast to coast are bracing for the end of an era.
As Fox News reports, longtime Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak has taped his final episode of the legendary program, which is scheduled to air on June 7.
According to Deadline, Sajak's farewell installment of the beloved series will also serve as the show's finale for Season 41, and it will undoubtedly be an emotional affair for all involved.
Variety reported last summer that Sajak had made the difficult decision to retire from the entertainment institution he has helmed since 1981.
In a statement announcing his departure plans, Sajak wrote, “Well, the time has come. I've decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last.”
“It's been a wonderful ride, and I'll have more to say in the coming months,” he added.
While Sajak will no longer be the on-air face of the game show staple, he will reportedly remain affiliated with its production as a consultant for a period of three years, as Deadline noted.
Though many viewers may feel as though Sajak has been with the show since its inception, it actually launched with Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford assigned to hosting duties.
Sajak and much-loved letter-turner Vanna White moved into the roles they still hold in 1982, building a loyal fan base throughout the years.
During his tenure on Wheel, Sajak has collected a number of impressive honors, including surpassing Bob Barker, famed host of The Price is Right as the longest-running game show host in television history.
Sajak also notched 23 Daytime Emmy Awards, taking the trophy on three separate occasions.
A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award are also among the laurels earned by Sajak over the years.
Shortly after Sajak's impending retirement was announced last summer, news broke that Ryan Secrest of American Idol and Live with Kelly and Ryan fame had been tapped to assume hosting duties starting with the Season 42 premiere.
Millions of fans will surely miss the humorous and often-sarcastic interplay with contestants that has become Sajak's hallmark, but just as many are wishing him nothing but the best as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.